Epithalon, also spelled Epitalon, is a synthetic tetrapeptide that appears in aging and telomere research. This overview covers its structure, origin, research history and regulatory status. It is a scientific summary, not guidance on use.
Structure and origin
Epithalon has the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), four amino acids. It was modeled on epithalamin, an extract of bovine pineal gland, by Vladimir Khavinson’s group at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in Russia. See the Epithalon product page for our material’s specifications.
How Epithalon has been studied
- Telomerase activity and telomere length in human cell cultures (Khavinson et al., Bull Exp Biol Med, 2003, PMID 12937682).
- Telomere research in human cell lines (Al-Dulaimi et al., Biogerontology, 2025, PMID 40908429).
- Lifespan and aging markers in mice (Anisimov et al., Biogerontology, 2003, PMID 14501183).
- Tumor development in transgenic mice (Anisimov et al., Int J Cancer, 2002, PMID 12209581).
- Lifespan in Drosophila (Khavinson et al., Mech Ageing Dev, 2000, PMID 11087911).
A 2025 review summarizes the field (Araj et al., Int J Mol Sci, PMID 40141333). Most studies come from one research group, and independent replication is limited. The FDA stated in 2026 that there are no clinical data supporting its safety.
Regulatory status
- Epithalon is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for any use, and the FDA did not find it in the national medicine registries it searched.
- In July 2026 the FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted 7–4 to recommend Epithalon for the compounding list. The vote is non-binding and FDA rulemaking is still required.
- Epithalon is not named on the WADA prohibited list; non-approved substances may fall under class S0. Check Global DRO.
Laboratories should confirm the current status in their jurisdiction before beginning work.
Quality considerations for researchers
Results depend on the material used, so identity and purity data matter. Check that each batch comes with a certificate of analysis showing mass-spectrometry identity and HPLC purity, and that the batch number matches your vial. Store lyophilized material as described in our storage guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Epithalon the same as epithalamin?
No. Epithalamin is a pineal-gland extract; Epithalon is a defined synthetic four-amino-acid peptide modeled on it.
Is it spelled Epithalon or Epitalon?
Both spellings are used for the same AEDG peptide.
Who carried out most of the research?
Mostly the Khavinson and Anisimov groups in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Research use only. OxygenLab products are supplied for in-vitro laboratory research and analytical use only. They are not for human or animal use and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See our Legal & Compliance policy.
Lab tool: Working out solution concentration? Try the free OxygenLab Peptide Calculator — enter vial mass and diluent volume to get mg/mL, µg/mL and molarity.
